In Rawalakot, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, 19 inmates, including six on death row, escaped from prison on Sunday afternoon. The escape, which occurred between 2 pm and 2:30 pm, has prompted a major search operation and led to significant repercussions for prison officials.
The incident began when a prisoner asked a guard to move his ‘lassi’ (a yogurt-based drink) outside his barrack. Taking advantage of the situation, the inmate overpowered the guard, seized his keys, and unlocked other barracks, allowing 19 prisoners to make their way to the main gate. One inmate was injured during the escape attempt and later died at a local hospital.
According to police reports, the breakout was further facilitated when an inmate used a pistol to force another guard to hand over additional keys. Among the escapees, six were on death row, and three were serving life sentences. The inmate who was shot and killed was serving a five-year sentence.
Authorities have launched a large-scale search operation in the surrounding area and initiated an investigation into the jailbreak. The prison’s chief and several other officers have been dismissed, with some being detained for questioning. Seven officials, including the deputy superintendent of Rawalakot Jail, are under investigation for their roles in the security breach.
In response to the security failure, all jails across Pakistan-occupied Kashmir have been placed on high alert. The government has requested the judicial commission to investigate the circumstances leading to the escape.
In a late-night announcement, Information Secretary Ansar Yaqoob revealed that PoK’s Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq had suspended several prison officials and dismissed Special Home Secretary Badar Munir from his role as ex-officio Inspector General of Prisons. Munir has since been reassigned to the Services Department as an Officer on Special Duty (OSD).
The incident has raised serious questions about the security and management of prisons in the region, prompting immediate action to prevent further breaches.